Isabelle has asked do horses like pats? I was surprised at how thick and fast the comments came in:
“Dogs like being patted. Horses don’t.
Unlike a dog, your horse is a prey animal. Patting and slapping is a ‘predatory’ communication.
Doo horses like pats? No. Horses prefer scratches, and soothing rubs. They greet each other the same way in the wild.
Isabelle”
Here’s one of the comments below that pretty much describes the other side of the ‘do horses like pats?’ debate:
“Dogs like being patted. Horses don’t. ❓
What I deduce from this statement is that all horses are alike.
That is rediculous!!!
No two horses are alike, as is the case with humans.
A horse is an intelligent animal. If I indicate to him/her with pats he/she did something good, they accept it as such.
I have patted hundreds of horses, NOT ONE OBJECTED!!! Humans are not horses and will NEVER BE, Horses knows this.
So, if you give advice, make sure it is correct, and not someone trying to be clever with a new “revelation”!!!
Adrian”
So there you go – what are your thoughts on ‘do horses like pats?’ Please let us know in the comments.
Now on to some of your tips:
“Please, mind your manners. When a horse greets somebody over a fence, I often see the person immediately reach for the face.
Suppose the horse were to back up, bite or nip. Would he be badly behaved, timid or unpleasant? No.
A horse’s behaviour towards a human will almost always be a response or reaction cos you should approach horses as another horse would – slowly and with respect.
Rosalind”
“Granted, a horse does as he’s asked with two reins and a bit. But only because he’s forced to out of pain.
Although I accept some choose this method, nobody should skip to two reins, without mastering one rein riding. It forces you to understand the horse, and work with him to get what you want. And you’re forced to concentrate on every aspect of your riding position.
It’s immediately clear to me. Horsemen, who control their horse harshly with two reins and the bit, have never mastered these early steps. Try riding your horse like that with one rein, and you’ll be in for a nasty shock.
Megan”
Can’t say I’ve ever tried the last one! And anyhow, I’m biased – bitless bridles are the way forward if you ask me.
Please keep ’em coming – and please do leave a comment if you can add to the ‘do horses like pats?’ debate!
And if you’ve enjoed this post, there’s lots more like it on the blog.
Best
Yes, I have to agree bitless bridles are the way to go, there is the cross under style and Nurtural horsemanship types that are the best, kindest and most effective, why use a bit on the poor horse if there are kinder ways
I prefer to ride with a bitless bridle also. The horses like them too. 🙄
what if u have a horse that is not so well behaved or trained?
Certain bit less bridles in a different area, like behind the ears where when pulled on, puts pressure on a nerve. That’s the reason I ca t use one on my Icelandic horse. She’s very sensitive behind the ears.
My horse does not mind the bit less bridle, I think she likes it. she seems to mind pretty well. Of course she had to get used to you.
We trail ride a lot, and have had no problem. I’m blessed.
Sach thing “Natural horsemanship” don’t exist. That mean all of you don’t know what mean “natural”
Those wild horses from BLM are not in an natural enveroment because the humans decide their population.
That mean, anywhere a human is involved is not natural.
Yup, bits should be things of the past, like metal horse shoes. Kinder and safer alternatives for both.
I don’t agree that bitless bridles are better for a horse than a bit. If you are not an experienced rider you can seriously harm the horses nose, which I have seen on many occasions. It is also impossible to compete in dressage in a bitless bridle. There is a reason for this, you and your horse must be in harmony with each other. You are also not allowed to use a bitless bridle in eventing as it is too dangerous for the horse. You do see horses in showjumping using bitless bridles, however those are usually very experienced riders. People who can’t ride well should not be allowed to use bitless bridles. There are a number of extremely harsh bits out there, many of which are thankfully forbidden in competitions.
As to the comment on metal shoes.Metal shoes do not hurt or hinder a horse, in fact they are there to protect the horses hoof. People have been shoeing horses for thousands of years for a reason. Constant work files down the horses hoof. There are very few breeds of horses which do not need shoes. I would love to have a horse that did not need shoes, however I would rather have a happy horse than a sore horse. If you watch a farrier at work on horses, they usually snooze during that time as it does not hurt at all. There is a reason for shoes and you cannot just condemn them, as there are people out there without the knowledge to care for horses properly.
I hate to correct you, but for thousands of years we have not known better about metal shoes! The hoof expands and contracts ever so slightly and iron/metal shoes “inhibit” this action, which assists the PUMPING of the blood and aids in bio-mechanical, anatomical necessity of circulation!
Wow I like and agree with all you said. I am lucky and have a fox trotter who has not needed shoes but I do mostly trails and paved roads. My appy however wears boots most of the time. I couldn’t afford a new set of shoes every 8 weeks so I envested in a great set of 4 boots. No shoes for 6 years and doing great. I also ride in halter with leadrope.each to their own. But always be safe.
In shoe my horses Natural Balance Method. Its great if you understand the horses foot and how important the break over is….
Sorry but I dont agree that bits should be a thing of the past. In the hands of an experienced rider a bit is not painful to the horse. I have tryed a bitless bridle & I had to keep my reins so tight on my horse to keep her from bolting & it kept rubbing sores on her nose. If I ride her in a simple O-ring bit I can leave alot of slack in the reins & barely have to lift them up to stop her. Bitless bridles dont work for every horse & I would never try breaking a horse in one.
Maybe you did not get instructions with your bitless bridle but no way do you pull with both reins at once.
Goes for with or without a bit.
You alternate reim pressure – first one side and the other.
Also you may not have it adjusted right.
All my friends and I have used this bridle for years and never had a control problem.
I always ride all the horses that i train in just a halter right from the first ride then change to a bit.
I ve started all my yearlings in bit less bridles and have retrained difficult horses into using bit less bridles and I have the most relaxed group of riding horses anyone has come across. I refuse to put a bit in any of my horses mouths.
Yes, you tell the truth, but, for you know , 70% of the riders don’t know to ride a horse , while they grew up with horses.
Is not the problem of the bit or bitless-bridle IS the riders hands, legs and body
The RIDER is the problem
I agree, I had the same problem.
My horse does what she is asked because we have trust and a bond no bit .
I started with the bit all I got was head tossing and shaking .I went to bitless and all that stoped. We can’t be happier she more relaxed and so am I. I don’t think its right for all horses some are to spooky or head strong. Ever horse is not going to work well with a bitless just as my baby did poorly with the bit. safety first
I use the natural halter and have ordered the natural hackamore. My Cappie hates the bits. She hares bits
@Kenady, It really depends on what type of bitless bridle you are using! I use a Dr. Cook’s on both my horses, one of which is a Off-track Thoroughbred!!!! It is truly quite unique in how it works and believe me, it really works & pain free to boot!!!! If you find your horse to be too flighty, I would suggest you need to do a lot more ground work to reinforce the basics. When I used to breed & train horses, a bitless bridle such as the one I currently use, didn’t exist. I never cared for a hackamore, so I actually attached a set of reins to a halter initially and eventually went to a rubber snaffle – if there had been a Dr. Cooks, I am sure that I would have used it!!!! As for the patting, while my horses do love being rubbed and scratched, I honestly can say that a pat can be very reassuring for them too! Just watch any competitive horse show and count the amount of patting that goes on! Above all else, stay safe out there!
I think all of this “Bits are cruel!” Is complete crap. My horse can ride completely fine bridleless, bitless, and all else. However he goes FINE in a bridle with a bit, and it doesn’t hurt him in the least. I have an exceedingly sensitive gelding. If his saddle pinches, rubs, or doesn’t fit perfectly, he throws a fit. I’m okay with this- all his tack should fit perfectly so that he’s comfortable. If for a moment his bridle caused discomfort or pain, he wouldn’t take it. however he accepts the bit with absolutely no hands in his mouth. hold a bit, ask him to open, he’ll take it. I ride in a D ring, or regular O ring smooth snaffle. Some bits are cruel. My gelding won’t take a wire/iron twist bit, because they hurt. He also doesn’t like curb bits because they are just uncomfortable and mess with his tongue. I always haver rein contact, he gets upset when he can’t lightly feel my hands, and he’ll pull if he doesn’t. This doesn’t mean i’m in his face, and his bit doesn’t hurt him in the least. I do Natural horsemanship with him. I can jump him with only a neck rope. He’s always barefoot, we’ve tried every style of riding. Does my horse go any better in a bitless? Nope. Does he ever object to a bit, does it hurt him? nope. you guys apparently don’t understand how different bit and bridle combinations can apply pressure to different parts or the horses head.
The dramatic pictures of tongue lacerations really don’t help your case. What if i went around posting pictures of horses with bleeding faces from their noseband of a bitless? there are cruel riders with bits. There are cruel riders without bits. Riding bitless will not give you and your horse any bond you otherwise couldn’t have.
i know exactly what you mean. i was at my ridding school and my class was doing jumping, i was completely focused on my horse, but she was tossing her head, the rest of the world just faded away. i did noticed anther rider came in after asking me instructor if it was OK. id seen them on the ground were they pulled the horse around slapping and yelling at there horse.
they came in using a bit-less bridle the horse was resisting the rider after the ride she came over and told me i should tighten the nose band to stop the head tossing. when i walked back to the car with blood dripping down her nose. I’ve cheeked on as often as i can lately 9 out of 10 times there’s fresh blood the 1 out of 10 there’s dried blood. now there’s dried blood on the bedding as well. the bridle is not cruel, the bit is not cruel, they are made objects of pain by the rider any bridle can be made cruel even bitless
Thank you for your opinion. It makes a lot of sense. I am not a very experience rider. I can’t see myself riding without a bit. I agree some bits should never be used. My Quarter Horse Mare Sammie is 24 yrs old. We got her when she was only 2 yrs old. She is trained fairly good but I have not ridden her for quite sometime. Iwas working full time and no one to help me. I am now retired and plan to ride again. I cannot imagine not using a bit I would be too nervous. I use a snaffle bit is this too harsh? She doesn’t seem to mind it. She doesn’t shake her head or bob up and down she is pretty calm. The problem is me and I know she senses that. I plan to take riding lessons and regain my confidence before I get back on her. What do you think? Opinions welcomed ❓
Megan, completely agree with you; period 🙂
Amen.
After 50 plus years of all kinds of tack, and several kinds of horses, I’ve never seen a horse problem that wasn’t started by a people.
Riding wih a bridle and bit dosnt hurt the horse if he is taught with small kicks on his sides and a bit to steer with I actully use a bitless almost all the time mostly when performing jumps and speed but when going on trotting and dressage also out the rim I prefer to use a bit to keep him intact a bit can be crule if not used right and a bitless is nicer but not always better.
“Dogs like being patted. Horses don’t. ❓
What I deduce from this statement is that all horses are alike.
That is rediculous!!!
No two horses are alike, as is the case with humans.
A horse is an intelligent animal. If I indicate to him/her with pats he/she did something good, they accept it as such.
I have patted hundreds of horses, NOT ONE OBJECTED!!! Humans are not horses and will NEVER BE, Horses knows this.
So, if you give advice, make sure it is correct, and not someone trying to be clever with a new “revelation”!!!
That is fine if you have a horse used to it, but….
You NEVER pat a young, untouched or abused horse! That is predatory! As someone who has trained many young horses, and rehabilitated abused horses, even a light pat is horrendous to them! calm but firm strokes or rubs works, too light and it tickles like a fly.
A light pat is fine if the horses is used to it, but mine prefer a scratch infront of the wither when they do something well when I am on them, or a good rub around the ears and side of the face when unmounted.
I agree. I always “PAT” my horse and she never in her 24 yrs objected but rather relaxes. 🙂
I agree with you! I have never had a horse object to a gentle pat. 😉
This is crap, bits are not cruel, the riders are. Bitless bridle riders can be the same way. If your doing the right way you hardly use the bit the steer you horse, it should all come from seat and leg. I do belive some bits are cruel like any twisted bit, or a curb bit, but all I ever have or ever will use on my horses are simple snaffle’s and French link bits. I have seen riders with bitless bridles be cruel to their horse, they seem to think that since theirs no bit that it won’t hurt them to sea-saw on the horses nose, or yank on the reins to get them to turn, then spin them in circles when the horse sticks his nose up to try and get away from the rides hands, then pulling back to get them to stop. Their are cruel riders out their with and without bits. Their are also good riders out their with and without bits. I have no objection to bitless bridles but don’t sit hear and tell people that all bits are cruel because that’s just B.S.
I agree, I use a bit most of the time, also have a Dr. Cooks bitless bridle… my gelding is never in pain in either of them, if he was I wouldn’t use them. I am always mindful of my hand/rein pressure and we communicate very well. There is a very good link on youtube from an equine vet who has researched the subject at depth and actually shows that a bitless can cause as much or more pain to the horse because their faces are quite sensitive.
HEAR HEAR!
Also have seen some awful graze marks on horse’s noses from pressure of the bitless, and those same horses are not happy being ridden either. Also one poor horse had to be put down after a heave handed hackamore rider broke the nasal bone. Bitless riders should be trained to ride, the same as bit riders!!
And yes, I ride in both.
Hello. Everyone has their point of view from their own experiences. I just purchased a 13 year old OTTB. Thankfully I am somewhat of an animal whisperer and virtually bought him sight unseen – no picture in the ad but I could tell he was the boy I was looking for. We are both learning that life is not a race, I have to ride him differently and he is learning to canter from a trot which is trying for us both….I new the moment that I got on him that I would not put another bit in his mouth….I ride bitless. It all depends on your relationship with your horse as to how you want to ride. I pat my horse alot and even turn the pats into massage…my 17hh OTTB is a great pocket horse and as I say we are learning that we no longer need to race through life.
Everyone has the thing that works for them. I won’t try to persuade someone to go bitless/barefoot or not. What works for them and the specific discipline (show jumping, dressage, endurance, whatever) is what matters. As long as the horse understand what’s asked from him, and as long as he’s not in pain or discomfort. The rider must always be attentive to the horses behaviour and reactions to the ‘aids’.
Thats my thought on the matter.. 😀
agreed! 🙂
Hi everyone,
I am new here and new to horses. I rode as a teen , only driving the cattle to market. So here is my current situation.
I have rescued a pony ( although the people thought he was a min Horse im pretty sure he is a pony. I have had him 2 days now and want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
He seems to have never had much contact so I have not been able to touch him. I was able to coax him into a stall today and harness him,and then I was able to groom him. so as a reward I let him return to the pasture, without his halter. I guess my question is two fold. How should I be approaching this pony.. gentle or strict and do i need to worry about founder and if I do how much should he be able to graze? I hope you all dont thing me stupid as I just want help and there is no way I could have left that pony at the horriable slaughter house he was at.
Since you have no idea how badly he may have been treated, you need to start slow and gain his trust. What do you mean harness him? If you mean putting on a halter, that’s great. I would leave it on to make it easier on you to catch him. He needs to know that when you’re around nothing bad is going to happen. From what you said you may already be on that track.
I would try to work with him 2-3 times a day at least if you can. Rub his face, his ears, his rump and always talk in a steady calm voice. As he learns you’re not a threat you can do more.
My horses are rescued horses, the three years old, no human could touch her, took me about one and a half week for she start to trust me. First you work with the food and treats, you do not bribe when you give food or treats like people tell, but you build trust
Second, I never go direct at horse, I go in zigzag, I make them to think and for them to come at me. They know when they come at me they have a reward , treats, scratchings, etc, and all the time I have a rope and whip on my hand, and they learned the rope or the whip is a toy and not a punisment tool
If the horse was abused , never expect for be overnight, take very long time,
Remember, you have to think like a horse, and not a horse like yoû, and you have to start to read a horse for you can understand what that horse whant to tell you. Remember they have their moods too like us the humans have, some times fill good other times not. Like my 13 years old some times she turn her head to the side when I want to halter her, and that tell me she is not in a good mood, but to let her allone, and I found out giving her treats and scraching her on her back and ramp she change her mood.
My partner Janine has recently bought a 6 year old off the track thoroughbred. he only raced a few races not being succesful they tried him at polo ,he did not like the harsh contact with other horses so he spent about 2 years out in the fields not realy been ridden.we have adopted him and he gives no trouble being saddled up and being ridden.its amazing how disciplined he is. i can turn trot , canter , gallop by moving the reigns on his neck to the right or left without pulling on the bit .to stop or slow down i have to pull on the bit…but when on the open road and i let him gallop it takes quite a hard pull to slow him down…seems like he likes to run..or this is what he thinks he’s supposed to do. now i realy would like to try riding Cale without a bit cause i think he would prefer it cause i see that when you put the bit in his mouth he is always moving his mouth in a way that it looks like he is being irritated by it.
The thing is what tips can you give as to stop him if i go bitless and let him run. i wouldnt want to be caught in a position of him running off and i dont have enough control to stop him.
Also to let you you know my riding experience is i rode horses for about 4 years as a kid ,general riding on the farm.now some years later at 50 i have started riding again and realy love it.especialy that as a kid my relationship with the horses was superficial and now i see this whole other world of relating to a horse.
So now i am looking for advise from horse lovers such as you to enrich my horsemanship.
Oh by the way i havent hi jacked Janine’s horse promise,maybe if all goes well i will adopt one at the end of the year….Cale has kinda crept into our lives and under our skin and it gives us pleasure to make him happy…..we look forward to your advise. Brendon South Africa.
Opinions in the horse world vary, always have, always will. Its best to keep an open mind to try new things, and to most if all, know your individual horse. 🙂
Caroline, great words of wisdom, like us humans all horses have their own unique personalities, it would make for a pretty boring world if they were all the same!!!!
😆
I’ve tried bitless bridles and halters before and with some it worked. I just got a 12 year old Haflinger and she super stouborn even with a bit she doen’t always do what I ask her to do. Any suggestions?
She found out you are not a leader by testing you, and that mean between you too don’t exist trust.
First start build trust and leadership, and second you personal be a real rider knowing how to use your hands, legs and body. Remember, all the time the horse is labeled and blamed, but in reality is the rider the problem and not the horse
Surely it’s not so much about the bit or the bitless bridle or the hackamore etc, it is about our relationship and bond with the horse. If you understand your animal and treat him with kindness, gentle firmness and do the ground work, you will not need to put pressure on his face or his mouth. With everything, it takes the time it takes to build that bond and there are many tools we can learn to help us.
I am starting my 3 yrs old haflinger. Does anyone suggest a good bitless bridle?
Hi! Ride in a good knotted halter, Parelli, Anderson, Will Howe and other excellent natural instructors have them for sale. Use a snaffle bit, wider than narrower, over the halter, however DO NOT attach reins to the bit, attach them to the halter and let your horse get used to riding with the bit in its mouth, being guided by the halter. After the horse understands leg commands and only if you have an excellent independent seat, should you progress to attempting to use a bit w reins. This will take some time. Bond and listen to what the horse is communicating to you under saddle. Starting a horse correctly and then finishing it, takes 5-7 years.
Give it time. I spent s straight week just sitting in the pasture when my buddy came to me. Since then all ground work before he showed me to rub him and touch all over.we ride by voice. And that’s in the past three weeks. Learn to talk to your horse. Now Im reading natural riding books. You’ll do fine. Just learn together.
No ! I dont was taught by my grandmother and our tradictions not to hit .and I learned from a comanche ndn. how to train and have a relationship with my brothers and sisters horse . we as natives have been doing what you call natural horseman ship for hundreds of years ,but we dont get any criedit for it .. 😐
I’m going to try the last one because my horse doesn’t like the bit and a couple of days ago she went crazy wen I tried to put the bit in 😐
Could be the way she was handled by previous owners, her teeth or she has learned that if she puts up a fuss, she can then go back to the pasture.
I have used both types of bridles on our farms stallion,Slewquero.He goes very well in either type.The stopping ability is greater with the bitless bridle and with less effort.The turning ability is better with a bitted bridle.I have been riding and teaching young thoroughbreds to be ridden for over 30 years and have had many interesting experienes.
I ride my paso Fino Bit or No bit. I think the main thing who BROKE the horse U ride 🙂
Try getting an equine dentist in to look at your horse’s teeth. She could have a really painful tooth problem and putting a bit in her mouth may be agony for her and why she went crazy.
Hey thanks for all the info stormy
Has anyone considered just asking the horse and listening to the answer?
My horse hates both the bit and anything that presses on the sensitive areas of her nose. I purchased a bitless bridle and she told me she didn’t like it all. She would prefer to listen to what I was asking of her. Now, this approach takes a lot of time and attention. It means you don’t think in terms of BREAKING your horse, but in terms of learning to COMMUNICATE with your horse in a way that both are listening. Even the name you have for your horse matters. I adopted a beautiful thoroughbred named Lady Rhythm. She had won millions of dollars as a racer. But she wouldn’t let me touch her face and she wouldn’t come when I called her. One day while I was grooming her, she sent me images of her facing and being whipped and a chain across her nose and a bit pulling hard and the name “Lady Rhythm” being spoken and it was an awful memory for her. I asked her if she might like another name and tried a few. She didn’t respond to any of them. One day I was grooming her tail – a special treat for her – and I was reciting some Emily Dickinson poetry and she seemed to like it. I told her the name of the author and at the mention of “Emily” she really perked up. Would you like to be called “Emily” I asked. And she turned around and looked right into my face. It was a definite “yes”. Since then, she has been Emily. An Emily who lets me groom her face. An Emily who comes running towards me when I call her. An Emily who greets me with a whinny when she smells or hears me coming, long before she can see me. I don’t ride Emily. She has very sensitive nerves along her back. Instead, I massage her. She loves it and her sway back has improved so much, sometimes I can’t tell her from my beautiful four year old. Emily is 26 and when she runs, it is a thing of such beauty and grace and pure pleasure, I am in awe and appreciation that I have the privilege to share a place with her on this planet. Hyla Gardens will be open to the public June 1st if anyone wants to come and see her. She just might tell you a thing or two that would surprise you if you care to listen. She is quite a teacher.
That is a wonderful story
One of the best replies so far. People don’t TALK to their animals, but just expect them to do what they want the animals to do.
Google Anna Breytenbach to see some stunning examples of animal communication. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxqKwLPnUvs
Has anyone considered just asking the horse and listening to the answer?
My horse hates both the bit and anything that presses on the sensitive areas of her nose. I purchased a bitless bridle and she told me she didn’t like it all. She would prefer to listen to what I was asking of her. Now, this approach takes a lot of time and attention. It means you don’t think in terms of BREAKING your horse, but in terms of learning to COMMUNICATE with your horse in a way that both are listening. Even the name you have for your horse matters. I adopted a beautiful thoroughbred named Lady Rhythm. She had won millions of dollars as a racer. But no one had saved money for her old age. When I got her, she wouldn’t let me touch her face and she wouldn’t come when I called her. One day while I was grooming her, she sent me images of her facing and being whipped and a chain across her nose and a bit pulling hard and the name “Lady Rhythm” being spoken and it was an awful memory for her. I asked her if she might like another name and tried a few. She didn’t respond to any of them. One day I was grooming her tail – a special treat for her – and I was reciting some Emily Dickinson poetry and she seemed to like it. I told her the name of the author and at the mention of “Emily” she really perked up. Would you like to be called “Emily” I asked. And she turned around and looked right into my face. It was a definite “yes”. Since then, she has been Emily. An Emily who lets me groom her face. An Emily who comes running towards me when I call her. An Emily who greets me with a whinny when she smells or hears me coming, long before she can see me. I don’t ride Emily. She has very sensitive nerves along her back. Instead, I massage her. She loves it and her sway back has improved so much, sometimes I can’t tell her from my beautiful four year old. Emily is 26 and when she runs, it is a thing of such beauty and grace and pure pleasure, I am in awe and appreciation that I have the privilege to share a place with her on this planet. Hyla Gardens will be open to the public June 1st if anyone wants to come and see her. She just might tell you a thing or two that would surprise you if you care to listen. She is quite a teacher.
I’d prefer to listen to what my horse has to tell me about what she wants. It seems to work wonders.
🙂 both can be equally harsh if not used with sympathetic hands the bitless uses the pressure from the reins against nose,poll and chin grove, the longer the the sides connected to the reins the harsher is can be due to the amount leverage.
hi
i have been reading all the comments butless/bit i have a 17hh percheron and i have never used a bit on him i just ride in the rope head halter he goes on that fine stops quickly by just turning his head a little to either side i retrained my quater horse from bit to bitless because i dont have the knowhow about bits but this also worked out very well he is happy to be ridden bit or bitless of course i have not anough knowledge about bits to say are they cruel or not from what i have heard by asking poeple is that it all depends on the rider whether the bit hurts or not ❓
I am the facilitator of an equine therapy program. We ride our horses without bits (halters with reins). This works fine, but I was looking at something called a flower hackamore. I’ve only seen them on line in Europe and I’m wondering if anyone else has seen them and what their opinions are.
It’s not the bit the horses have a problem with, it’s the hands of the rider! As long as you’re not heavy handed,the bit can be a communication device instead of a crack-the-whip-do-as-youre-told-torture device! I have ridden in a halter, in a sniffle bridle, and in an English hackamore, the one my horse has a problem with is the hackamore because of the pressure it creates on the poll and face no matter how good you are with your hands, I hear that a hackamore can break jaws in the wrong hands 😮 my mare also has a big problem with bolting- could it be related???? Xxx
i’ve looked threw many of you all coments and truley do not know what to think I never have had a horse befor always wanted one i’m over 60 years old and have many health problems but along came this baby about 3 years old and very skinny and sick been neglected and sovery scared he is a rescue. i dont know nothing about horses or much of the turmes you use i do know all animals have fillings as we do and love is the olny way to go i have had Spirit for 2 months he will eat from my hand but is so afraid and he has been cut i believe its called a gelding even moveing slowly i have my hands full and need help from any one that can tell me how to go i do not go into his space for i do not know any warning sings other than ears back help
😀 hi Shirley I have a horse and the best way to put a bit of weight on him fast you need to get some , pollard ,Oats and mix them in cold water with some cool calm pellets once the water has been soaked up mix in 1 scoop of ,Weat n Charf and a scoop of oats n charf this looks like dry hey mix them all up together so all is mixed completely and if you don’t have much grass them give him a bisket of chaff that is nice and green not old and dry lookin I hope this helps you and if you have the time give him 3 small meals a day that will put on a few KG
There is a equine clinician by the name of Clinton Anderson who teaches how to handle a horse that is afraid to become respectful and trusting. He has a website and gives seminars. See if his method makes sense to you and good luck with your gelding. 😀
this is B>S what I’ve been reading, all of you need to rethink what ur doing with these horses, you dont have a clue what your doing, dont pat ur horse,,horses need love just as much as the dam trainers needs,think about it,a horse will fight or flight, I dont want to see either when I train, I want him to be my best friend, then I can do some training, when he is comfortable with me , then the best results will come,,u make the worst mistake, by drilling him into submission,when he does it correctly put him up with some oats..what I’m reading is totaly wrong..stop ruining ur horses, goodbye……..
Don’t pat your horse because this doesn’t happen in the wild? People don’t ride horses in the wild so perhaps we should turn them all loose……Makes about the same sense!
Well I pat my horse on the rump and neck all the time and he doesn’t mind at all,far as I can tell.I know when he doesn’t like something I do cause he lets me know with a snort or a good flick of his tail.
I think any decent rider should not cause a horse pain – but even the best have the odd moment!! I find that rubbing a hug and just placing my hand is enough. I try treat as i like to be treated. I dont like being patted!! However my other point is!!! If you do showing etc the rules do not allow for alternative tack!! Narrow minded and old fashioned. I think it should be only based on if tack fits! Appropriate and clean.
To quote a horseman, “Husbands and horses don’t like to be patted.” 😀
People are crazy if u think that u can tell someone else how to ride there own horse without even seeing the horse ride, with or without a bit. Just amazes me how many people think the can watch the horse whisper n think they can do this with every horse. Not all horses act, learn, n can be trained the same way. Ive been riding horses, breaking, n training for over 30 + years and every horse is different. The best ways to to get ur horse to learn is trial n error. I pat my horses n rub n scratch. Also had a mare that was started n they though they needed pull her behind another horse dragging her up n down hills falling tripping stumbeling. I wasnt happy about this n in turn neither was she. Also repeatily hit her around head. It took 2 years for her to trust a man again n a year before I could touch her face. Really hate people who think they have to man handle horses to get them to learn. So to sum it up do the best things for your horse n u! Your horse is u friend n will learn to trust u all it takes is time.
I am a horse trainer that uses natural horsemanship methods. My advice to all who have posted at being new with horses is to find a reputable trainer (not a self proclaimed one, but a professional)and ask if you can watch a couple of training sessions. Ask questions. Most trainers don’t mind. Horses are big, have a fight or flight instinct, and can hurt humans really bad and not mean to. If you watch horses interact with one another they don’t play around. If one wants another out of the way, it will lay it’s ears back and say “get out of my way”. If they don’t do it, they get bit or kicked. It’s that simple. Black and white. No gray areas. Lovey dovey, wishy washy dosent happen. That being said, I rub on my horses all the time. But I am also firm about asking them to do things. Notice I said firm about “asking”. Ask then reward when they give the right answer.
As far as bits or bitless, it really doesn’t matter. One is not better than the other. If the horse is trained right they will respond to either or both. It is purely for the comfort of the rider. Horses get used to the way they are handled and trained. If I were to train my horse with a haysting around his neck, a bit in his mouth or ahalter on his head, he will still learn to turn, go forward, backward, and sideways.
bits or no bits … I think it is up to each horse person to do as they feel is safe for them.
I think and teach each new horse rider to ride a horse without saddle or bridle – just halter – first. Once they can ride at each gate and control the horse they can then move on to saddle, then it is the bridle without bit, then last with. It teaches soft hands. They must master each step before moving to next.
Now once they move on and are out of my teaching, it is up to them to use or not use what they have learned.
The way I raise my children may not be how you raise yours – but who is to say which is correct as long as they grow up respectful and hard workers that love their families.
Same with horse people using or not using a bit.
Never pat – never have. I would not liked to be patted. I don’t even pat my dogs. To me it is a soft slap – if you slap me I have the right to slap you back … same with my pets! 😀
My husband and I have taken in two wonderful horses, one is a quarter horse and the other a pony, they were starved badly and could not let them go back to the awful owners so we took them and we know nothing about horses except for we respect them and love them. I like the sound of bitless bridles although I am completely lost on how to use them. we are taking the quarter horse, his name is Castiel, we call him Cass for short to an Amish man that our furrior told us about to have him broke and trained to walk, ride( not important) bathe and spray. I try to read and talk to anyone that knows anything about horses and I always seem to learn something and listen to the kinder, gentler way of communicating with them. Please help
Please rethink the Amish man. Im sorry but they have been known to be harsh with horses. I have seen the the results many times. Get a book from Pat Perelli or Monty Roberts. You can do this on your own. Just add love.
Do horses like music ❓ I have a radio in the barn for our pony, her name is Ruby and play soft or oldies for her. she seems to like it. At least I think she does. 😀
I have enjoyed music with the horses I have been around. I believe it depends on the animal and their mood as to what they actually like or prefer. I had a young colt Schlitz he loved songs like Stranglehold by Ted Nugent, Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Pride and Joy and let us never forget Under the Boardwalk! That was definitely his favorite. Have you ever watched dancing horses? It is quite an experience and a beautiful sight. He was wonderful and together we shared a great delight in good music. His mother by the way preferred Phantom of the Opera.
Mine seems to like true old time western and light classical.
i would like to Know what to do when my horse Will not go forward when i mount her She throws her head around and trys to rear up and JUST Keeps going backwards .I use a hackamor .she has begun To haVe a bad attitude 1ately
I’m not an experienced horse person, just know I love them. Have two rescues and we are learning from one another. I question this ‘don’t pat your horse’. The Percheron is head shy and leery. She will turn and walk away if unsure, but if I pat her on the rump a couple of times as she walks past me and tell her it’s ok, she stops, turns, and faces me, even coming back to me. Go figure 🙂
OK I usually read these and go on but….u have to find the right bit. I have 4 horses and all ride in something different. One has a gag one a smooth snaffle one twisted with sweet water mouth. My mare likes a dog bone mouth. But u must float those teeth every year!!! I firmly believe it and have seen it make a HUGE difference in a horse.
We have a year old filly that is halter broke and she trailers well. However, whenever I approach her rear, she kicks! I broke my arm last year from a kick (from another horse) and she can probably “smell” my fear. Any suggestions on what to do?
Margie,
Bring in a reputable trainer to work with both of you at the same time as a unit, starting from the ground up.
It might be possible that you and the filly have trust and confidence issues that need to be resolved safely, and the best way to do that is to have a third party there who knows how to accurately read horse/human body language and who can guide you as well as the filly.
My advice is to get her out of this habit before she gets any bigger.
Just got back into horses after twenty-five years. Realized that most of what I had been taught was wrong and I am now ready, willing and currently learning it right, thanks to many who have diligently paved the way. Horses are not much different than humans when it comes to personalities, likes and dislikes. We are each unique. Even the best mannered, gentlest riding-stable horse is probably going to encounter a rider that it just does not like. Think about it … know anyone in particular that you have met and just do not care to be around? What does that say about your personality? I do not particularly care for dogs. But if one comes up to me in a reasonably friendly manner, I will respectfully invite that dog into a friendly “conversation” that usually ends up with the dog enjoying a neck and shoulder massage. I have to admit that my personality was not always that kind, but I was willing to make some adjustments and have benefited well from doing so. Your horse will also willingly make adjustments if you understand him/her and treat them with that respect. One of the best educations I have received in recent years was volunteering to work with abused and neglected horses. Most of us could never afford to pay a trainer to work with horses that were confined and mistreated for most of their life. It is an incredibly time-consuming undertaking that requires huge amounts of patience and creativeness. My satisfaction was winning the confidence and trust of those horses that had reason to fear humans.
Oh, by the way, has anyone ever seen one horse “pat” another horse? Think about ground work. We use a tapping or patting “rhythm” to annoy a horse in an effort to get them to move. That is totally different than an “at-a-boy” pat.
Regarding bit or bitless, understanding the anatomy of a horse is not enough in itself. Someone well versed in anatomical sensitivities can abuse that knowledge for painful purposes. When abused, you may have “temporary compliance”, but if used properly, you may win one of the best relationships you will ever know.
Every horse owner has their own opinion on everything equine. Keep in mind that not everything that works for you and your horse is going to work for someone else and their horse. Notice two … one human, one horse … two personalities! The “bonding” thing goes far beyond just learning to work together.
Every horse might be different, some because of past handling and some just because. In an open pasture setting one horse will show friendship to another by rubbing each other on the shoulder. But most horses figure out what their person means by their pats or pets or rubs and likes the attention.
I use a very comfortable hackamore on most of my horses. I basically stay out of their mouths and they love it and respect me for it. I have one still in a bit because I haven’t trained him yet, but will.
Also I do a lot of rubbing and scratching with them. I have tons of respect with them. They know me as Dad and do what I ask (not tell). Personal one on one is always good with your horse(s). Every moment I can I spend with them I do and they appreciate it. I usually can get them to follow me just by spending time, rubbing, and talking with them. Love is another key factor.
I rub, pat, and touch them all over. They respect me so much that I can be directly behind them rest my head on their bum, grab their tail, mess with their back legs, and nothing. I do that just in case someone happens to be behind them other than myself – I will have no worries about someone being kicked. My horses are as gentle as can be. From time to time they have attitudes as any child does, but if I get after them they come back later nicker and want rubbed to say “I’m sorry”.
Horses aren’t dumb animals. People who don’t pat their horses either haven’t been around horses very long, or don’t know at all how horses think and interact with each other. Really??? We discourage behavior like head rubbing. Because it’s disrespectful. Yet we think that horses are offended by a pat, when they are willing to rub their entire faces against our bodies? A pat from a loved companion is comforting. If you handle horses everyday, like I do, it can be as effective in a thunderstorm as a written statement proclaiming, ‘Dude. Relax. I got this, no need to worry, we’re fine.’ Sometimes I think horse people should actually spend quality time with their horses before they go proclaiming ridiculous theories on the interwebs.
That was uncalled for. I just really hate seeing uneducated people talk about things they obviously know nothing about. It’s a partnership; but really, you are the alpha. And you can’t forget it, and they have to know it. They outweigh us by a lot. They could crush us on a bad day. I have seen it. Tragically. Horses have leaders in the wild. They know the rules. We, if we are very clever, learn them. And the first rule of horse is to be the one in charge, and if you’re not the one in charge, you better listen. This saves lives, in the wild, and in the barn. I feel like Whisperer might end up getting people killed. Just saying. lol
Hmm, I must just be clever enough to find all the truly dominant horses in the universe. I won’t say that I think you are incorrect Somestablehand but I will think you are not wise or skilled in your handling of any animal. My dog is a Brazilian Mastiff and my Grand Dog (son’s companion) is a Neopolitan Mastiff. Now here is what I can tell you I am indisputably the one in charge. If I point a finger it means sit and that does not mean at your discretion Park It! I have never had to be rough with any of our animal companions and I can assure you that if you tried to convince my dogs or horses that you were dominant over them you would witness the animal equivalent of a laughing fit. I expect my animal companions to respect and trust me and here is a new thought they expect the same of me. You can take this to the bank that horse knows the limits of your strength and endurance and pain you can inflict upon him/her. Same for either of the dogs I mentioned. It is just as true that dominating an animal is dangerous and inhumane – Sooner or later that animal may decide to educate you. That educate can come at a very expensive price. So remember that when you constantly establish trust and understanding through positive responses which include paying attention to the communications of danger, discomfort or dislike by the animal you build a true partnership. My Brazilian doesn’t like his nose to handled yet he knows I love it when he balances things on his nose and then catches them – and to my delight does this and many other things simply to share my joy. No dominance involved just love, trust and mutual devotion. Same goes for any horse I have ever handled. Dominance is not something you ever want to exert over any other living creature because the natural response is no you don’t.
Also, maybe brush up on your grammar, Whisperer, before you go berating people for loving their horses. My 9 year old writes more eloquently than you do.
Finally, comments from someone smart and sensible -“Somestablehand! Horses expect to be either dominated, like they are in the wild herd, or they expect to be the “dominator”. Also, those horses who have been “low on the totem pole” in a barnyard situation, where they are picked on by the others or where they can never get their fair share of the feed, will themselves, if given an opportunity, become very agressive dominators. Certainly we shouldn’t have to do it the old cowboy way of “teaching the horse who is boss”, but it’s good for all when human “leadership” is gently yet firmly established.
There might just be some confusion over the definition of a “pat” here. (Remember, “Depends on what ‘is’ is”, LOL) I see lots of people, usually men (sorry, guys), who pat horses so hard it sounds like a slap. Imagine then what it feels like to the horse! Somebody said earlier that “dogs like to be patted”. Likewise, I think they meant “petted” as opposed to slapped. My dogs and horses have always enjoyed being petted, stroked, rubbed, massaged.
Yes, I agree…My animals too love it and come back to for more… Bea
I’m not being sarcastic here, try talking to any animal, including human, before extending invitation for touch. Ask permission. Horses reach high in visual range and scratch under the forelock. As there are lots of contankerous humans there are a few contankerous horses or lots who have been mistreated by contankerous humans. Have someone teach you the tell tale hints of, ” keep your hooves to yourself “. These are highly intelligent possible devoted friends to those who earn that gift, they feel deeply.
as fare as bits go I use them, thou there’s no grater feeling than hoping on ones horse bare back and having her know what you want just by ware your knees are on her flank, to go ware you want no rains just a hold of her main.
I treat my horse like a partner. It’s a 51% – 49% partnership. I am the alpha but not by much. I allow and encourage behaviors that most people say “don’t do that” such as allowing her to eat while riding. If I see a great patch of grass I will actually go over to and she knows that she can eat. However, when I say it’s time to go it’s time to go and she knows that as well. I want my horse to be treated the way I want to be treated – with respect. I don’t pat my horse but do brush her and rub on her and I allow her to gently rub on me (another thing that most people don’t allow).
Margie, it is important to teach the horse that it is never OK to kick a human or another horse while it is being ridden (what they do in the pasture is another story.) The horse is still a filly so she doesn’t know the rules yet. Approach the horse from the side never approach from the back. Always let her know where you are by touching and talking to her. When working on her tail work on it from the side (she can’t kick sideways). The most important thing is to keep touching her tail, buttocks etc. until she gets used to it. I was riding with a friend last year and not paying attention. Her horse got antsy and backed up into my horse. Her horse swished her tail and caught my rein under her tail all the way up to her anus. Because her horse was used to being touched everywhere it did not freak out. It could have been a disaster. So stay to the side so you don’t get kicked and keep touching her everywhere. You’ll trust each other soon enough. I do believe a horse can tell when you are afraid.
Margie, one more thing, I don’t mean to scare you more than you are but remember a horse can’t kick sideways but can turn and kick in a split second. I would probably invest in a professional trainer.
So I keep hearing about this bit less bridle ok you have my attention but why dont you show pics of what it looks like and why then if the bit hurts them even with a lightest of hand do we put a bit set in the teeth when we have our horses teeth floated for the compfort of the bit in their mouth. And I am all for natural hooves providing you dont have a navicular horse of one thats feet fall apart under founder or some other god awful thing that the poor thing had to indure because of us horse owners who think we know more then mother nature and just for the record the adverage mustang lives about 8 to 10 years in the wild many or often times due to the natural feet or they starve to death because there is not enough forage for them to survive. I hate it when people ask me well how do you think they survived in the wild before pellet grains or shoeing well the answer is they didnt. Watch the mustange biography by National Geographic I think everyone should have to watch that before they even think about getting a horse.
And let me just say the warming of the bit was a great Idea though I thought everyone did that its nice that its on the web now and so every one can know it, Iam 50 and been doing that since I was 10 so at least I am not the only one out there who thinks about the horses or how to relate to them or have empathy for them. 😆 🙄 And I have a 4 year old that I breed my top mare to get. she has never been misstreated or badly handled untill one of the boarders where I board decided my playful 4 year old was crazey after my mare chased this woman while she was pulling a wheel barrel accross the arena while my mare was turned out in the areana, (my mare thinks that wheel barrels are her personal toy) I had told this woman this several times and I told her if she was afraid or had any problems to come get me. but do not show her hostility or fear. and please just come get me. well as I was opening the areana door to get my mare here stood this woman and my mare and she was hitting my mare with a plastic stall rack hard acrossed her neck and shoulders of courst I took off in a dead run for the woman as my mare saw me she reared and tried to strike the woman ( I am sure because she felt my rage) and the woman took off running and ran into her house locking the door behind her the police was called and it went on from there. the next morining when I went to check on my mare I found adiema and welts all over her where some one had beaten her either early that morning or way way earlier earlier that morning . again the police were called and there was nothing they would do. problem is this woman lives right next to the barn, point is my horse took on my actions she didnt try to rear or strike untill I had reacted to what was going on. think about that .
There are so many threads under this one blog… Regarding the original subject, however…
I don’t know much about horses, but I live with them, feed them, clean their stalls, observe their births and assist, only if required. I mean, God’s programming is perfect and basically self-correcting, so why fix what already works?
But I digress… Since I only work with horse and pony foals to around 2 years, I… start with what they will allow. Their temperaments vary with, say, the type of mother they have, any challenges that occurred when they were born (i.e., having the mare refuse to nurse them and you have to intervene), or whatever else…
This being said, one is given small opportunities to stretch the babies a bit, but one has to be careful not to “blow their minds”. If they let me pat, I’ll take the pat. Some allow more; some allow less, and even avoid being touched for months… It just depends. I try to respect their sensibilities, while having to respect my bosses’ time requirements as well (at times I move a bit more slowly with the babies than what suits them).
I know Winter has just begun, but I always look forward to Spring. The babies start losing their winter coats, but they are not very efficient, so I take advantage of “helping” them… Once they discover they feel better after their “grooming” (being consistently brushed EVERYWHERE), it is much easier to acclimate them to other things they need to get used to…
Right… So… Just my two cents’ worth…
I just want to get this point across to everybody. Horses are animals. Animals have brains and brains tell them what to do. They may not be as smart as us but are smart in their own way. If your horse is head shy, for example, it is because he has been roughly handled at some point and is scared you are going to phsically hurt him if he lets you touch his head.
Back to the point, horses have brains and can feel pain, understand emotions and also feel emotions. They have the saying, ‘Fight or Flight’ and it helps people to understand horses. If a horse is frightened, he will make a decision, to put up a fight or run away. These are split second decisions that make horses who they are. But horses, if looked after and given respect, will respect you and will allow you to do anything that doesn’t make him feel overly uncomfortable.
I just want to help people to understand that horses aren’t machines. They don’t have an engine. They don’t have brakes. They have brains and choices.
Hello everyone i read all your commons and you are all right until some extent.I will tell you what i think.
For we to understand we have to go back to nature.
Personal more you try to ride your horse and keep it clothes to what is natural for the horse as possible,and surely that will be a happy horse.
About shoes if you ride mostly in fields woodlands then your horse should be ok but you have to keep sheks,
If you ride mostly on hard surfaces like concrete pavement roads any thing solid and hard then you have to protect them.
To do with rest i will tell you somethin i widns in portugal.
Was in this beautiful sunny day i was walking true some woodlands with my friends when we arrive to this openfield and we notice some people war riding horses it out any tack nathing at all it was amazing i asked how do you do it they reply always keep it natural as possible love your horse and you will no.
That is what i think .
Thanks.
Paulo.
Megan – re bits and reins. It is much easier for a horse to understand what you want with two reins before going to one rein, not the other way around. As to bits and reins being harsh… it is actually the riders’ hands that determine harshness. You can be just as harsh with a bitless bridle or a hackamore used on the tender part of their noses as you can be with a bit.
As with any piece of kit, be it on a horse, a dog, bird of prey you name it. In the wrong hands any piece of training equipment becomes a weapon. In the right hands, it’s what it says it is on the packet – training equipment!!
Hi guys,
I’m just getting back into the horsey world, missed it terribly. Can anyone explain the method of a bitless bridle and one rein riding? Fascinated.
Thanks.
😛 II
I’m not gona bost on my horse Denver, i feel its a gift
From my higher power. Just like people ever soul including
A horse has their own personality. I’m not a cruel person i
Love my horse, ” ONLY, a skilled person should ever try working
their horse without bit or hackmore, in a controlled small arena
Some horse have to have a bit, it’s the person behind the bit
I don’t care how well u no your horse or vice verse, things do happen
I would hate to be the one on the back of a spooked run awy horse, i no by
example it does happen to the best trained. My Franky don’t mind his bitt,
He lowers his head for it. But I’m light handed. He has the mind of a pro, and and a spunky young adult. He would go check out the lady’s, and he is gilded.
I have a tom thumb snaffle in my horses mouth.If I used a bitless bridle, I would be in the next county on certain days.I try to use leg pressure only.On good days this works fine
What is one rein riding? Is the right rein stop?
Well, after reading all the comments I am stuck in the same pile of opinions I have faced my entire life. Everyone does it differently and swears they are correct. For example some people do not clean the frog others swear it is the only true path to good hooves. Some people still kick a horse in the stomach to express air when saddling. I have been riding since I was three years old. Generally speaking horses and I truly enjoy each other. I have noticed that like myself they each have a personality. I have discovered that taking the time to get to know each one as an individual makes the bond everyone talks about. I enjoy cleaning stalls, grooming, feeding and just hanging in the presence of these magnificent beings and in return I can walk high strung studs through a paddock of mares with a finger on their chin. Trust, friendship, respect, understanding are all things that depend on time. Take a little and you receive a lot. Arguments don’t prove anything the proof is in the experience. There are some great points made here I think for now I will continue to enjoy riding with no bridle, halter, lead or reins I will continue to ride by balancing on the back communicating with shifts in weight and leg pressure and trusting my friend to let me know of dangers I may not perceive. Horses are excellent communicators if you are willing to listen.
i am new to horse back riding. i am so afaird this one horse will bolt he owner said she is prone to do that. and i wont ride her. what do i do if she takes off?
I hope that all of you who are caring for horses and are very unfamiliar with equine behavior immediately enlist the help of an experienced person to help you. All the wishful thinking and good intentions in the world will not keep you safe. Horses can hurt or even kill you, without intending to cause you harm.
Learn the principles of pressure and release, of reading equine body language and of safe horse handling. Ignorance can cost you and your horse dearly.
I have a 25 yr old pal amino quarter horse with cushings. It was a hard winter and he wore a blanket all the time. Now he’s still shedding and come spring he almost looks like he lost more weight even though I’m following vet orders to give him his pill and feed him unlimited Purina senior 2 x a day. He also gets to be out on pasture all day. Teeth are fine but he eats so slow. Any suggestions to get weight on him before fall so I don’t have to say good bye are appreciated. I also tried 3 different feeds but he won’t eat them.
I am reading a lot of good ideas here, and I’m glad to have found this blog. When dealing with your horse or small child, I believe that gentle ways are usually best. Horses do not understand a slap as affection or reward. Strokes, rubs scratches calm and feel good. I have seen good riders slap their horses on the neck after a great ride out of perhaps enthusiasm–sends wrong message to the animal plain and simple. Release and relaxation are a better reward than an enthusiastic slap! Just a thoughtless habit in my opinion. People who have to yank on the horse bitless or bitted, need to learn basics of riding with seat, light leg pressure, use of body weight, BEFORE using hands at all. Otherwise they are unwittingly abusing an animal they love!
Thank you so much for your loving helpful teachings.. I totally agree. B
I am appalled by the number of “experts” who do not know the first thing about the animals they purport to know.
NO animal LIKES being patted. They tolerate it from us because they know humans are stupid and don’t know better. If you want to know what actions any animal enjoys, watch how other members of its species and group act and emulate these actions.
ALL animals love being stroked (which equates to licking) and “nibbled”. The last you do with your fingertips, “nipping” with your fingernails as they do with their teeth.
One action that animals cannot perform, but which we can is rubbing inside their ears: you can stick your fingers deep inside a horse’s or donkey’s ear canals and rub gently. They turn to jelly as a result and will always seek you out in a crowd of people because you do this for them.
I like to use both it always depends on the horse